Thank you for your interest in the USA National Phenology Network's Nature's Notebook mobile app revamp project! Starting in September 2024, we are undertaking a major revision of our data collection app to make it easier and more fun to track plant and animal seasonal activity! The new app will also feature new challenges, badges, social sharing, and will be offered in Spanish as well as English.
We are looking for a group of individuals who are willing to complete short surveys about the app as it is developed. Your input will help to shape the new app and ensure your preferences are considered!
Frequently-asked questions
Who is eligible to participate?
This opportunity is open to both current and future users of the app.
Do you offer incentives for participating?
As a way to say thank you, we will provide credit to those who wish to have their names listed on the USA-NPN website, and contributors will earn a virtual badge in the app.
Can I opt out after joining?
Yes, you have the option to opt out of the pool at any time. To do so, click on the "unsubscribe" link located at the bottom of each email you receive from us. You will be able to unsubscribe and remove yourself from the pool.
What types of surveys will I receive?
You will receive short surveys about your preferences for the Nature's Notebook app design and workflow. For example, we might ask you to provide your preference of one app screen over another, or weigh in on the species that we feature as part of campaigns.
How often will I receive surveys?
We anticipate that we will send no more than one survey each month. You will not receive spam from us.
Questions?
Email Erin Posthumus, [email protected]
Results from Participant Pool Surveys
Survey 1: Nature's Notebook Personas
Sent December 11, 2024; 65 responses
Question: How closely do you identify with this Persona? (1 = low, 5= high) View detailed descriptions of Personas here.
Results:
Nancy (Nature enthusiast), 3.75
Shannon (Volunteer coordinator at Botanical Garden), 2.93
Lori (Middle school educator), 2.30
Peter (Seasonal intern), 2.19
Alexis (College student), 1.96
Doug (Arborist), 1.61
Survey 2: Focal species for introductory observation experience
Sent February 13, 2025; 64 responses
Question: Here is the list of species that we plan to include in the introductory observation experience, along with the phenophase (life cycle stage) for the species. Note that for species listed at the genus level (e.g. Acer spp.), any species that are part of the genus are included.
Which of the items below includes at least one species that you could find near you? (check all that apply)
Results (percent of respondents who selected):
Nectar Connectors, 94%
Plants: milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), lupines (Lupinus spp.), coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), bee balms (Monarda spp.), goldenrods (Solidago spp.)
Pollen Trackers, 88%
Plants: maple (Acer spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), poplar (Populus spp.), willow (Salix spp.), juniper (Juniperus spp.), birch (Betula spp.)
Phenophase: Open flowers
Green Wave, 84%
Plants: maples (Acer spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), poplars (Populus spp.)
Phenophase: Leaves
Quercus Quest, 75%
Plants: oaks (Quercus spp.)
Phenophase: Leafing, Flowers or flower buds, Fruits (acorns)
Cloned and Flowering Dogwoods, 58%
Plants: dogwoods (Cornus spp.)
Phenophase: Leaves, Flowers or flower buds
Desert Refuge, 52%
Plants: milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Phenophase: for milkweeds - Leaves, Flowers or flower buds; for monarchs - Adults, caterpillars
Cloned and Common Lilacs, 47%
Plants: lilacs (Syringa spp.)
Phenophase: Leaves, Flowers or flower buds
The Redbud Phenology Project, 45%
Plants: redbuds (Cercis spp.)
Phenophase: Flowers or flower buds, Fruits
Pest Patrol, 44%
Insects: spotted lanternfly (SLF; Lycorma delicatula), Asian longhorn beetle (ALB; Anoplophora glabripennis), Eastern tent caterpillar (ETC; Malacosoma americanum), bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)
Phenophase: Adults (for SLF, ALB), Caterpillars (for ETC, bagworm)
Mayfly Watch, 34%
Insects: mayflies (Hexegenia spp.)
Phenophase: Adults, Dead adults
Flowers for Bats, 9%
Plants: agave (Agave spp.), saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
Phenophase: Flowers or flower buds, Fruits (saguaro only)
Question: What other species are you most interested in observing?
Result (general categories of species):
- Invasive shrubs and Vines
- Native shrubs
- Spring ephemerals
- Animals
- Edible plants
Survey 3: Interest in submitting photos in Nature's Notebook
Sent June 13, 2025; 84 responses
Question: Please tell us about your interest in submitting photos along with your phenology observation in the new Nature’s Notebook app. What would be your reasons for submitting photos? (Check all that apply)
Results:
- To provide photographic evidence of my data collection, 79%
- To submit a record of something that is happening on or near my plant in addition to the plant phenology (e.g. an insect feeding on the plant, or a gall on the plant), 76%
- To help me identify what plant I am observing, 54%
- To provide a reference photo of my plant that I can use to locate my plant (e.g. in the case where you can’t physically tag or otherwise mark your plant), 44%
- To share my observation on social media, 23%
- Other, 17%
Question: Of the reasons you selected above, which is the primary reason you would like to submit photos? (Select one)
- To submit a record of something that is happening on or near my plant in addition to the plant phenology (e.g. an insect feeding on the plant, or a gall on the plant), 33%
- To provide photographic evidence of my data collection, 32%
- To help me identify what plant I am observing, 17%
- Other, 8%
- To provide a reference photo of my plant that I can use to locate my plant (e.g. in the case where you can’t physically tag or otherwise mark your plant), 7%
- To share my observation on social media, 2%